Amid scorching heatwaves sweeping across the United States, concerns about energy consumption and grid reliability have reached a critical point. Cities from Boston to Las Vegas to Oregon are grappling with record-breaking temperatures that not only strain infrastructure but also exacerbate the risk of power outages. One often-overlooked contributor to energy demand is right before our eyes – traditional LCD/LED outdoor signage.
LCD and LED signs, ubiquitous in urban landscapes, consume significant amounts of electricity. From digital bus stops to outdoor retail signage, their operation during peak hours of heat amplifies the burden on already stressed power grids. As temperatures soar, the energy demand spikes, pushing infrastructure to its limits and threatening blackout scenarios. While not directly related to LCD/LED screens, we’ve seen the unfortunate consequences of blackout scenarios as recently as hurricane Beryl wreaking havoc in Texas.
In this context, ePaper technology emerges as a compelling alternative. Known for its energy efficiency and durability, ePaper offers a solution that mitigates the strain on grids without sacrificing visibility or functionality.
Here’s why ePaper signage is an unknown champion in the efforts to reduce energy use and stress on the power grid in extreme weather.
Credit: Papercast
Sustainable by Design
E Ink is the originator and pioneer of ePaper technology – which operates on a bi-stable principle. What does this mean? E Ink’s two particle black and white electronic ink system is made up of millions of tiny microcapsules, each the diameter of a human hair. Within these microcapsules is a clear liquid, with negatively charged white particles and positively charged black particles floating in the liquid. Applying a charge across the microcapsule causes the particles to separate. This same principle applies to E Ink’s multi-colored ink based color displays, which uses both cups and capsules, only instead of 2 particles, there are 4. When there’s no power, or no external charge is applied, the particles stay at their last driven location – the essence of bistability: E Ink displays do not need power to maintain a still image.
Therefore, unlike LCD/LEDs that require a continuous power supply to display images, ePaper only consumes power when the image changes. Once an image is set, no power is required to maintain it. E Ink signage requires little to no electricity, making ePaper inherently energy efficient. This characteristic demonstrates why it’s an ideal choice for environments where power conservation is paramount, or in situations where power grids are nearing max capacity.
Operational Advantages
Compared to traditional LCD/LED screens, ePaper signage boasts significant environmental advantages. It generates minimal heat, reducing cooling costs in warm climates. Moreover, E Ink’s black and white ePaper screens are sunlight-readable and perform reliably in extreme temperatures up to 65°C. Their low-power consumption and long lifespan contribute to lower carbon emissions over their operational lifetime – again proving less taxing on power grids.
Cities around the world are already reaping the benefits of ePaper signage. Companies like Soofa in Arizona and Papercast in Qatar—both areas with extreme temperatures—have implemented E Ink displays for public transit schedules and outdoor information boards. These deployments demonstrate the practicality and resilience of ePaper technology in diverse climates.
As we confront the realities of a warming planet and increasingly volatile weather patterns, the need for sustainable urban technologies is acute. By choosing ePaper over traditional LCD/LED displays, cities can not only alleviate strain on power grids during heatwaves but also contribute to long-term environmental sustainability.
In the face of record-breaking heatwaves, embracing ePaper technology isn’t just a choice—it’s a responsible step towards a more energy-efficient and climate-resilient future. As cities and businesses continue to innovate and adapt, ePaper stands out as a prime example of how technology can mitigate its own environmental impact while enhancing the quality of life.
If you're interested in learning more about E Ink in extreme environments, you can read our whitepaper here.